Barrowden Village Hall CIO
Phase one of a community hub
BARROWDEN VILLAGE HALL
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
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It is the intention of Barrowden Village Hall Management Committee to comply with all health and safety legislation and to act positively where it can reasonably do so to prevent injury, ill health or any danger arising from its activities and operations.
Employees, hirers and visitors will be expected to recognise that there is a duty on them to comply with the practices set out by the committee, with all safety requirements set out in the hiring agreement and with safety notices on the premises and to accept responsibility to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves or others. All hirers should be aware of their legal and moral obligations in relation to the need to follow good practice in all aspects of Health and Safety. Everyone should adopt and practice a common sense and responsible attitude while using the hall to help prevent damage and injury both to persons and to the fabric of the hall.
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The committee has carried out risk assessments. Hirers should ensure that they and their attendees/helpers are aware of the following rules for health and safety while using the hall. The following practices must be followed in order to minimise risks:
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Make sure that all emergency exit doors are clear and unlocked as soon as the hall is to be used and throughout the hiring
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Do not bring onto the property any portable electrical appliances which have not been Portable Appliance Tested.
Risk of electrical shock from portable equipment and or damaged or dangerously exposed parts of the electricity system.
Do not operate or touch any electrical equipment where there are signs of damage, exposure of components or water penetration etc.
Do not leave portable electrical or gas appliances operating while unattended
Risk of electrical shock from the main electrical switch gear - do not touch.
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Risk of slipping on polished/wet floor surfaces. Clean up all spills using equipment in store cupboard and report any flooding to committee on 748655
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Risk of falls when using ladders inside or outside the hall Do not work on steps, ladders or at height until they are properly secured and another person is present
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Do not stack more than five chairs. Risk of injury when moving heavy items eg stacks of chairs
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Inadequate use of lighting for illumination. Find out where lighting is controlled from your hiring conditions.
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Over occupancy of the hall. Max occupancy is 120, seating 80 comfortably.
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Risk to sole occupants of the hall. Do not allow people to occupy the hall for long periods without company or at least a mobile phone.
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Risks involved in handling or storing chemicals. Wear suitable protective clothing when handling cleaning or other toxic materials
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Risks to children of hot substances or surfaces in the kitchen or heaters.
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Do not allow children in the kitchen except under close supervision (e.g. for supervised cookery lessons or, in the case of older children, for supervised serving of food at functions). Avoid over-crowding in the kitchen and do not allow running.
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Do not attempt to carry or tip a water boiler when it contains hot water. Leave it to cool.
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Do not attempt to move heavy or bulky items (e.g. stacked tables or chairs) - consider whether to move items singly. Stack items carefully in storage so they don’t fall on other people or equipment.
Be aware and seek to avoid the following risks:
• creating slipping hazards on polished or wet floors – mop spills immediately
• creating tripping hazards such as buggies, umbrellas, mops and other items left in halls and corridors
• use adequate lighting to avoid tripping in poorly lit areas
• risk to individuals while in sole occupancy of the building
• risks involved in handling kitchen equipment e.g. cooker, water heater and knives
• creating toppling hazards by piling equipment e.g. in store cupboard.
Hirers should report any incidents to any Village Hall committee member or to barrowdenvillagehall@gmail.com
• Report any evidence of damage or faults to equipment or the building’s facilities to:
Any committee member, or Valerie on 748655
• Report every accident in the accident book and to:
any committee member or Valerie on 748655
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Signed : V Fraser
Position: Chair of Trustees
Date of Report December 2022
Review December 2024
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Risk assessment review by V Fraser and A Hillier